Customer Reviews

I had been trolling Aerostich for years looking at the Transit, and subsequently the Transit 2. Always hoping I would have the $ some day to purchase one. And over the years I watch the price go up and up, and become even more unobtainable. I really wanted waterproof and I really wanted leather. I had contemplated many other Aorostich product, but just couldn't settle. Then they got a shipment of 2's in with "Blemishes" at the same time coincidentally that I was receiving my bonus check. Miraculously my car did not require maintenance or major repairs as it has in years past. And combined with the "Leather and Lace" Sale, I was ecstatic to receive my perfectly sized Transit 2 for a not so anxiety ridden price of $1400 & Change! I am so glad I never allowed myself to settle for any of the many other gore-tex moto attire I pored over for years while making due with a $300 suit from AGV Sport (stopgap while I saved and toiled, but honestly not bad besides not being waterproof). And now I am more happy than ever that I purchased when I did, as I see the Gore-Tex laminated Leather which this suit it made from is being discontinued! I could not be more happy with my purchase!

2 months in an the suit is finally starting to break in and allowing full mobility on my daily commute. I cannot imagine using this suit on a supersport until broken in, raising my legs in my 94 VFR was like doing high knees taking off from every stoplight. But totally comfortable once underway. The Jacket feels very ventilated, while moving, and I can tell a difference in heat when sitting opposed to my 90-tastic Fieldsheer leathers I use for fun rides. Unfortunately after years of riding in spring rains (rainsuit layerd under my AGV textile Suit) it has barely rained this spring in SF, which is a shame because I am so excited to test the waterproof-ness of the Transit!
The Armor is very substantial, Level 2: Back, Shoulders, Elbows, Knees. and Level 1 Hip. It seems stiff on putting on the suit, but then your body heat softens it up an it gets very pliable. I wear my transit pants as an overpant, so I bought 2 sizes over my jean size, they fit great (could have gone one, but I figure at 36 I'm not getting any smaller). Waist is a bit big but I made a strap belt at a hardware store with a clip.

In short, if you have been on the fence and toiling over the decision to actually buy a transit. Now is the time to, unfortunately there will probably be no more deals to be had on the remaining stock, but it is fully worth it! DO IT! (Posted on 5/7/15)

I have had my Transit suit for almost 3 years, logged 60,000km in all types of weather, and I still love it. My transit is the best gear I have owned, it is so good that I gave away all my rain gear, and summer gear, the only extra gear I now carry is my silk scarf and an electric liner for the winter. With my Transit there is no need to check the weather because I know my Transit will keep me comfortable and protected for a great days riding. (Posted on 11/11/14)

I've had a road crafter for 20+ years and the transit suit for six.
for long distance touring it is the suit I now use-it IS waterproof- sealing the next is always a challenge- but with the three finger rain gloves, and layered clothing- it keeps me warm and dry no matter how wet the weather.
Hard to believe but I think it is MORE airtight than the Road Crafter, too. (Posted on 10/29/14)

I've got enough time and miles on my Transit 2 suit now to post some preliminary thoughts.

Sizing: I'm 5'9" and 168 out-of-shape pounds. My medium Darien and 34 AD-1s fit great, but my 40 RC jacket has gotten tighter over the last few years, so I went with a 42 Transit jacket (figuring the cut would be similar to the RC) and 34 pants. Both fit fine. The jacket arms could stand to be 1/2" shorter but that's no big issue. The pants fit great on the bike but feel loose around the waist off the bike. I use one of those "last chance" belts RWH sells, which works fine.

High temps: I'm amazed that this suit wears as cool as it does -- the super-duper wiz-bang coating isn't just marketing hype; it works. Upper limit for me is about 85F, particularly if humidity is high. At those conditions, all vents are open, sleeve cuffs are open, short gloves are worn (usually Elkskin Comp Ropers), and the main zip is cracked a few inches. With a wetted-down wicking t-shirt and bicycle-type shorts as a base layer, I'm good to go. I haven't noticed a difference in the airflow with the back vent's cover folded up. Interesting comparo: I own a popular Dutch leather-and-nylon mesh combo, which is only marginally cooler-wearing despite large potions of it being mesh.

Cool temps: Because of the Goretex laminate, the low temp range is determined more by layering room than anything else, although at the extreme, the lack of a storm flap on the main zip, and the low collar, are limiting factors. For me, I can fit a thin polypro base layer, adding an Aero Windstopper jersey on top; no room for a mid-layer such as fleece. Therefore, I'm good down to the low 40s. Of course, I've got a Darien/AD-1 combo in the closet; if I didn't, perhaps I'd find ways to stretch the Transit's low-end range.

Comfort: Despite feeling a bit bulky off the bike, the Transit nearly disappears while riding, which to me is a great compliment for any gear, from socks to helmets. Nothing about the suit aggravates/distracts me while riding, including the armor. BTW, I always, always zip the jacket and pants together. Research "degloving" incidents and you''ll understand why.

Waterproof? Yup. 98%. The remaining 2% is remedied by wearing a thin nylon neck gaiter, which I nearly always do anyway (why haven't more fellow Americans picked-up on this?) to lessen helmet noise, keep my cooler in summer/warmer in winter, and prevents insect intrusion as a bonus.

Kudos: The waist adjusters, the pit vents, and the small pocket on the right-arm.

Niggles: 1) The sleeve cuffs are too bulky, but not as bad as some earlier reviews had me believe. My Lee Parks Deersports and Held Steves (both have large gauntlets) fit over the cuffs OK; my Comp Ropers fit under them decent enough, though the cuffs are usually at least partially open if I'm wearing the Ropers. 2) I'd like to see the lower leg reflective/flap hook 'n' loop angled like on the AD-1 for more adjustability. 3) I own a few 2-pc. suits from other companies that zip together. Only on the Transit do I struggle with that, and it's the only one with a 2-way zip, and the largest one, too. Maybe it's me. To prevent myself from mistakenly trying to zip/unzip in the wrong direction, with resulting jamming, I (try) to remind myself "right on" and "left off."

Durability: Too soon to tell long-term, but nothing to report so far. No fading, no stitches coming undone, zipper probs or reflective peeling, etc. I'm hoping the Transit will match up to my experience (going back to the mid '90s) with other RWH/Aero suits and other products.

I am not normally much of a reviewer. However, I was just at the Portland, OR pop-up event and felt inspired to review the Transit. I have the previous generation suit (2?) with the external side adjusters but before the pit zips and coin pocket on the sleeve. While at the pop up I was wearing my Transit, having ridden in from the Gorge that morning. I chatted with another fellow who was also wearing a Transit. We both lamented not having the coin pocket on the sleeve and the extra venting. And agreed that we'd not be buying a new one just for those features (in case you were wondering, Aerostich staff at the even says there is no retro-fitting of these features on an older jacket). I was telling him how I've got about 23ish thousand miles on mine, and it's exceeded every expectation. Fits great, absolutely waterproof (and I've ridden in some serious NW "frog chokers" in this thing), and very warm. My main gripe is that it's too hot in summer. My Sprint's underseat exhaust isn't helping matters here....but even so I truly wish I had the vents underarm. The fellow then asked if I open the cuffs. Well, I've tried it says I...didn't help all that much. He asks if I've opened them up ALL the way using the over the wrist velcro. Hmmm....no. This sometimes maligned (by reviewers) velcro on the cuff has never been an issue for me as I wear my gloves under the sleeves. Anyway today (88 degrees) I tried it with the back vent open and the main front zipper about 1/3 open. Voila!! much, much better. At least while in motion. I may well be the only fool who didn't think of this, but in case I'm not give it a try! (Posted on 8/9/14)

I bought this suit in the sale at a fantastic price.The quality is excellent, the fit is fantastic with no breaking in period. I did a 200mile trip at the weekend with a period of heavy rain and could not believe how well the suit performed. I also have a Roadcrafter and Darien but the Transit is now my first choice for any journey. As with all Aerostich products it is worth every pound spent.Buy one today you will not regret it. (Posted on 7/4/14)

I am starting my fourth season with this suit and this is a follow up...
Since I live in Colorado, the temperatures vary quite a bit - even in high summer. Temperature in the 40s to the 90s in one day are not unusual, so in conjunction with the Kanestu electric liner (the one with the vodka bladder), the suit performs exceptionally well in these conditions.

By now the suit is pretty well broken in and fits perfectly. And while I thought my previous Roadcrafter was comfortable on the bike, this leather is more so. It feels more substantial and personal.
I have found that when using the liner it is best to zip the suit together before donning the liner. That zipper is finicky, true. But to me it is a small thing - in light of the quality of the remainder of the suit.(Posted on 5/6/14)

I have to admit I was a little skeptical buying a $1600 suit via online. But the truth is it really is better than described.
The quality is incredible. The fit goes like this: I am a 6' 215lb average build guy, this suit fits me like a glove! So if you are on the heavier side you will have to size up a little. I found the sizing chart to be dead on for me. I honestly could not believe it!
As far as cold and hot, this suit really nails it. It's comfort range for me seems to be from the 50s to the 80s. In that temp range you will be VERY comfortable. Over 80 it gets warm and under 50 you will need additional layers. Wind does not penetrate this suit. As far as water goes, forget about getting wet. It is totally dry. DOES NOT LEAK.
While heavy at first the suit has zippers that are first class and is made from very high quality leather and SUPER COMFORTABLE!!!
Totally worth the money!!!! (Posted on 3/24/14)

This is an addendum to my 2011 review. I have now worn this suit for over 30K and cannot say enough good about it. It DOES NOT LEAK!
Yeah, it is heavy and can be hot, but as I said in my first comments, just about everything with any real protection is hot in summer climes. When you hit the pavement sliding, any number of hot, sweaty days will seem a cheap price to have paid.
If you can afford it, this is the suit to wear! (Posted on 9/19/13)

After submitting my completed "Aerostitch Sizing Tool" and talking on the telephone and via email, I ordered my Transit Suit based on the recommendations of Aerostitch Customer Service. They were very helpful during the ordering and sizing process.

The suit fits very well. The jacket sleeves may be about 1/2 inch long, but other than that the waist and chest of the jacket are perfect. The pants fit perfect in the waist, inseam, and length of the legs.

However, the knee pads are about 2 inches too low. Which is to be expected because not everybody has the same makeup.

My problem is...I have talked with three different customer service reps today, and they all state that they cannot do any alterations (raise the knee pads) on the Transit Suit.... "because it is made overseas".

Aerostitch has their name on the suits, markets and sells the suits, (at a hefty cost) but refuses to stand by their product and tailor it to meet the specific needs of each individual. I am sure they realize everyone has specific body measurements since they offer alterations on their other products.

In the short time I have had the suit, I've ridden in 95* temperatures, 60* mornings and in heavy rain. The suit performs as advertised.

However, I cannot recommend this suit, unless you have the additional funds to pay for alterations locally.

This leather was the crowning achievement of a complex global supply chain. The hides came from cows raised in one country which were tanned, dyed and micro-perforated (for increased breathability) and treated (to repel water) in another. The unique Gore-Tex membrane was laminated onto each hide in a third country and the end result was cut, stitched and seam-sealed into rider’s gear designs in a fourth country.

Now, after the current Transit stock is gone there won't be any more. The Pro Leather supply chain is ending. Currently most Transit sizes are available, and will be for most of this year. But last week the last pair of 42S Transit pants was sold and no more will be available, ever. And only a single example remains of two other sizes.

In many sizes there's still plenty of time to order if you've already been planning to, but starting right now (April, 2015) not all sizes are available. The remaining Transits are the last of this line. During the last seven years we've enjoyed creating, making and selling Transit gear. If there were some way we might be able to continue to produce them, we would, but there isn't.

“...a 5,000-mile ‘test ride.’”

“I just wanted to report that a month or so ago, in Oklahoma City, I put on my new Aerostich Transit suit, and started riding — down through Texas, east across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, to Florida...and then from São Paulo, Brazil, south to Argentina, and west over the Andes to Chile.

“I guess that would be about a 5,000-mile ‘test ride.’

“...I found it to be comfortable and confidence-inspiring in all weathers. On hot days, like the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia or the rainforests of Brazil, it was breathable and non-heat-absorbant; when the day was chilly, like crossing the Andes at 10,000 feet in the Southern Hemisphere’s springtime, a few layers inside or out made it perfect. And of course when the rains came, like in South Texas or the similar landscape of Northern Argentina, I remained completely dry.

“Congratulations on having developed such an excellent product for the touring rider.”

Waterproof-breathable Seam Sealed Leather

Gore-Tex’s pioneering breathable/waterproof textiles helped Aerostich’s suits become pioneering benchmarks. Beginning in the early 1980s we proclaimed ‘Cooler than Leathers’ in ads about Roadcrafters being lighter and more comfortable...

A couple of decades later Gore-Tex wanted to apply their technology to leather, so a long-range development effort was begun. Leather needed to be specially processed so it would not absorb so much water, and had to be micro-perforated to allow it to breathe better, without making it weaker. Then a breathable/waterproof membrane had to be permanently adhered to each hide. None of this had never been done before.

The job still wasn’t finished, though. Next they had to develop a good way to sew each piece together and permanently heat-tape seal each stitched seam…just as if it were a textile garment. It took many years to create a workable supply-chain that ended up looking a bit like a world map: Hides from cows living in one country were tanned, treated and perforated in another and the breathable/waterproof membrane was applied in another. Patterns were cut and sewn together in another. Everything was handmade by highly skilled people interested in doing what had never been accomplished before.

Then companies like Aerostich had the opportunity to pioneer an entirely new kind of rider’s leathers. The Aerostich Transit suit was introduced five years ago and represented the culmination of all this effort. Our part involved a couple of years of on-the-motorcycle designing and prototyping. And now Aerostich Transit suits are becoming another rider’s gear benchmark.

Here’s another testimonial from another Transit owner, but slightly different than those above:

Make Sure You Get Another One...

“…I came to with EMS people yelling at me to wake up a few minutes later. I was Care Flight-ed to Stanford Medical Center Emergency Room...While I was in the ER a doctor and nurse that also ride motorcycles stopped by to say Hi and see how I was doing and asked what happened. After describing the accident both said that it was amazing that I was alive and not hurt any worse than I was. They asked what kind of equipment I was wearing. I told them an Aerostich leather riding suit with armor, full face helmet, gloves and boots. They both said that’s why my physical damage wasn’t worse. The police officer that came to fill out the accident report said the same thing. A couple of weeks later I went by the towing company that picked up the bike so I could get my Aerostich transit suit (which was cut off me at the accident scene) and carried off with my wrecked bike. Of course we also discussed the accident and the guy said to me that he see’s a lot of motorcycle accidents. As I was walking off with my suit he says ‘make sure you get another one of those, it probably saved your life.’”

—David M, February 5th, 2013

Thank you for writing us about this experience, David. And for buying your Aerostich Transit suit. We’re grateful that you were ok, and that your Aerostich gear met your requirements (…and, uh, we don’t actually need more extemporaneous crash-testing experiments). We’re sorry that the EMTs destroyed your Aerostich Transit suit, but are very happy you’ll be riding again in another one. All of us at Aerostich hope you will enjoy the new one for many years and thousands of miles.